ABOUT DOWNTOWN MUSKEGON

Downtown Muskegon’s Vision Statement

In 2018, downtown Muskegon is universally accessible, has enviable public transit options for a city its size, is pedestrian friendly, and provides a warm environment where all are welcome. Its historic commercial buildings and façades have been repaired and fully utilized, and sustainable, appropriate infill development has occurred creating a vibrant street wall, full of commercial activity.

The Downtown Muskegon Community

Muskegon is a waterfront community and its downtown is an integral part of the Port of Muskegon directly on beautiful Muskegon Lake.

Downtown Muskegon is located in the city of Muskegon, a municipality of 38,500 people, in Muskegon County, which has a diverse population of 172,000. Muskegon is a proud part of West Michigan — an economically and socially vibrant region of 1.2 million people.

Downtown Muskegon is along the southern shore of Muskegon Lake from the end of Western Avenue on the west to Muskegon Avenue on the south, Ottawa Avenue on the east and the lakeshore on the north. An integral part of the Nelson Neighborhood, Downtown Muskegon includes the waterfront, Midtown, Western Waterfront and Pine Street districts.

Downtown Muskegon stretches west towards the Lakeside District and its new Windward Pointe waterfront development.

DOWNTOWN'S HISTORY

Western & First in 1927

The intersection of Western Avenue and First Street in 1927. On the left is the Hackley Bank Building and in the distance is St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

1920s Aerial

An aerial image of downtown Muskegon and its surroundings in the 1920s.

Hackley Park Early 1920s

Overlooking Hackley Park from the Hackley School’s clock tower. The large building on the right is the Occidental Hotel.

Lyman Block 1930s

The Lyman Block was located at the corner of Western Avenue and First Street. In the 1950s the clock tower was removed from the building and in the 1970s the building was demolished to make way for the Muskegon Mall.

Jefferson Theater 1924

The Jefferson Theater occupied the building on the left of this image. It was located on Jefferson Street between Clay and Western. The theater later became the State Theater.

Columbia Cleaners

Columbia Cleaners was on Jefferson Street in the Terminal Arcade Building in the 1930s.

Western Avenue 1928

Looking west down Western Avenue from the Occidental Hotel in 1928. The large open lot in the photo would later become the site of the Walker Arena.

Muskegon Centennial

Muskegon’s centennial celebration at the Mart Dock in 1937. On the other side of the tracks from left to right is Food City supermarket (now the Walker Arena Annex), the Amazon factory, and Union Depot.

The Mart Dock & Deep Water Port

The Mart Dock during Muskegon’s centennial celebration in 1937.

Terrace 1940

Terrace Street looking north in 1940. It wasn’t until the 1970s the road was widened into its current boulevard configuration.

Western & Market Circa 1928

Overlooking the intersection of Western Avenue (right) and Market Street (left). In the center is the Muskegon Flatiron Building. Like most of its neighbors it was lost in the 1970s to make way for the Muskegon Mall.

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